Why a human rights-based approach to climate mobility matters

A human rights-based approach to limiting and effectively managing migration – combined with improved integration of migrants into society and the labour market – is among the stated priorities of the ruling coalition government. Our new publication "Erst klimavertrieben, dann rechtlos?" by Thomas Hirsch explores what approach such as this might look like in the context of the growing number of people displaced by climate change.

Climate-induced forced migration is not a new phenomenon, but it is rapidly becoming a global reality of unprecedented scale. To date, neither international climate policy nor existing migration and human rights frameworks have adequately addressed this challenge. While displaced individuals bear the heaviest burden, destination regions are also under mounting pressure. Meaningful progress will depend on coherent, participatory, and long-term solutions – approaches that mitigate climate change, strengthen resilience to climate impacts and sustainably manage unavoidable climate-induced mobility on a sound legal basis.

The publication is based on the results of a global consultation process with local experts, conducted in 2023 by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) and the Climate Mobility and Displacement Platform (CMDP). The findings were analysed in the context of current climate, migration and human rights policy debates, and supplemented with actionable recommendations – directed primarily at policymakers.

Problem analysis:

• Climate change is becoming a major driver of migration. Scientific forecasts say that, without effective mitigation, up to 1.2 billion people could be displaced by 2050.
• Strengthening climate adaptation measures can ease migration pressures and help safeguard the right to remain in one’s home region.
• Those forced to flee due to climate change are currently not formally recognised as refugees. They are often exposed to human rights violations and forced to endure precarious conditions with little support. Climate mobility can only be managed in accordance with human rights principles if dignity, legal security and future prospects are guaranteed.

Germany’s potential contribution to a human rights-based approach to climate-induced migration:

• Increase funding for climate mitigation and adaptation efforts in regions of origin to address root causes of displacement.
• Strengthen participation rights, human rights and humanitarian initiatives and agreements, as well as crisis response capacities to protect affected populations in the countries of origin.
• Enable regulated pathways for climate-induced migration by introducing instruments such as a German Climate Passport, a Climate Card and a Climate Work Visa.
• Foster research, knowledge transfer and capacity-building to improve responses to climate-induced mobility.